No abstract

Results Immunohistochemistry reveals Fn14 on the intra-hepatic small bile ducts of inflamed livers, especially around the Canals of Hering. Fn14 expression is increased on cholangiocytes in vitro by 26% after stimulation with FGF. Exposure of cholangiocytes to TWEAK for 48 h induces apoptosis and upregulation of reactive oxygen species in FGF-activated cholangiocytes. Conclusion Fn14 is expressed on cholangiocytes in inflamed human livers. Activation of the Fn14/TWEAK receptor-ligand system induces apoptosis using a novel mechanism partly dependent on the generation of reactive oxygen species.Competing interests None declared.